Rugby: Wellington's bid to avoid drop

James King will start from the bench for North Harbour. Photo / Getty Images

North Harbour's campaign has not been a thing of beauty this season, but they have the consolation of knowing their final game has plenty riding on it.

They host Wellington at Albany tonight in a crossover ITM Cup game.

A few games ago Harbour drifted out of promotion contention, but there is much riding on the outcome for Wellington.

They sit second to last in the premiership, one point ahead of Southland. Should Wellington win in what might be unwanted All Black wing Hosea Gear's final game for the province, they should be safe from the drop into the championship.

However Southland will get a final chance to stay in the top flight if Harbour win, provided they can beat Bay of Plenty in Invercargill on Sunday.

It is one of several interesting features of the final weekend of the cup, which has consistently shown there's precious little between the 14 teams.

Harbour have the services of World Cup lock Anthony Boric, for his first game in nine weeks, albeit what is expected to be a 40-minute outing.

He takes James King's place, with King doubtless keen to make an impact before heading across the Tasman to join the lowly Melbourne Rebels on a two-year deal in the Super 15.

"The Rebels cannot go anywhere but up from here so it is an opportunity to help build something which is exciting," King said.

"It is definitely going to be good for my game ... and an opportunity to learn off someone new and develop other aspects of my game."

He will join former Harbour teammate Tom Chamberlain and high-profile Wallaby backs Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor at the Rebels.

Flanker Scott Uren is rewarded for a strong display against Northland by keeping the No 7 jersey, while James Afoa returns to the loosehead prop job.

Albany, 7.35 tonight

NORTH HARBOUR
Willie Walker
Nafi Tuitavake
Rudi Wulf
Brendon Watt
David Raikuna
Ben Botica
Chris Smylie (c)
Mat Luamanu
Scott Uren
Solomon King
Filo Paulo
Anthony Boric
Ben Afeaki
James Parsons
James Afoa

WELLINGTON
Apoua Stewart
Julian Savea
Alapati Leiua
Charlie Ngatai
Hosea Gear
Lima Sopoaga
TJ Perenara
Brad Shields
Scott Fuglistaller
Faifili Levave
Mark Reddish
Jeremy Thrush (c)
Neemia Tialata
Dane Coles
Reggie Goodes

North Harbour: Manu Leiataua, Alex Woonton, James King, Brent Wilson, Luke Hamilton, Pita Ahki, Codey Rei, Taione Vea.

Wellington: Motu Matu'u, Jacob Ellison, Joe Latta, Dean Brunsdon, Frae Wilson, Michael Lealava'a, Steve Honey, Arden David-Perrot.